Music is a universal language that everyone can appreciate by feeling the rhythm and hearing the melody to understand the message of the performers. Appreciation was in strong evidence as the Shoreham-Wading River School District put on not one, but two show-stopping performances of exceptional ensembles from all schools on May 22.

The young voices of Miller Avenue’s choir rang brightly through the gymnasium; toes were tapping when Wading River choir students performed a traditional Haitian folk song; the Albert G. Prodell Middle School orchestra performed a powerful “Rise of the Olympians,” and Prodell’s band members performed the military march “The Golden Vanity” and Rossano Galante’s beautiful “Nostalgia.” Shoreham-Wading River High School’s band brought down the house with a Rolling Stones tribute and a rousing rendition of Guns and Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine.”

That was just the first concert.

The second concert featured Albert G. Prodell Middle School choir singing Derrick Fox’s “Journey On” and Pinkzebra’s “Walk Through Life.” They were followed by Wading River School’s orchestra with the catchy “Never Gonna Give You Up.” The high school choir rang out with Abendlied, Op. 69, No. 3 and the popular “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. More toe-tapping music ensued from Wading River’s band with Pharrell’s “Happy” and the high school’s orchestra with “Test Drive,” Pictures at an Exhibition” and “Seven Nation Army.”

Both concerts ended with a world premiere performance of “Song of Wisdom” conducted by Wading River music teacher Jenilyn Smith that featured all ensembles. The work was commissioned by the school district to celebrate its strong musical past and bright musical future.

A heartfelt thank-you to music teachers Cara Verity (Miller Avenue); Erin Fasano, Christina Meli, Jenilyn Smith and Mark Verity (Wading River School); James Finnerty, John Samonte and Fred Volz (Albert G. Prodell Middle School) and Dennis Creighton, Kevin O’Brien and Ashley O’Connor (Shoreham-Wading River High School); administrators and SWR Board of Education members for embracing music in our schools.

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Date Added: 5/23/2024